How it works

How it works - Learn about Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal works by focusing laser energy to break up the pigment/color in your tattoo. Over the next days and weeks the body’s immune system will flush away the broken down ink. At Disappearing Ink we use the most state of the art technology which allows for faster, less painful removal.

The Lutronic Spectra laser is specifically designed for fading and removing tattoo ink, and is the most effective tattoo removal laser on the market today. Beware of other medical facilities that offer an array of treatments as they may not be using a laser specifically designed for tattoo removal that could lead to long-term, negative side effects.

The laser needs only a fraction of a second to break down the pigment allowing your treatment to be completed in only a short time. The laser is able to safely penetrate through the epidermis down to the dermis where the majority of the ink resides. This is why using lasers is the safest and most effective way to remove a tattoo.

An average tattoo takes 2 to 6 treatments to remove completely. The number of treatments depends on the age, color, quality of ink, and technique used to create the tattoo (professional vs. homemade).

Laser Tattoo Removal and Different Wavelengths

At Disappearing Ink we use a true 4 wavelength system that is able to effectively treat all colors of ink. Ink responds best when treated with a beam at the opposite end of the color spectrum. For example, green ink will respond best to a ruby colored spectrum. Most other laser treatment centers only use 2 wavelengths, resulting in a much less effective treatment. The wavelengths used by our state-of-the-art machine are as follows:

532nm for orange and red

585nm for blue and purple

650nm for green and yellow

1064 for black and grey

FAQS

What do you use to remove a tattoo?

Disappearing Ink uses the world's most advanced tattoo removal laser –Lutronic Spectra. This Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is highly effective at removing a wide range of colored ink. Its flat beam profile allows for more effective, quicker removals with less pain. The Lutronic Spectra is by far the most effective laser for tattoo removal.

How does the laser break up the tattoo ink?

Two key processes break up the ink - the pigment in your tattoo will absorb the energy from the laser and break apart; also, the incredibly fast pulse (6 billionths of a second!) and energy of the laser will cause the ink to shatter like a sugar cube breaking apart. The Lutronic Spectra is more effective than any available laser at breaking down a considerable amount of this ink when used by our highly-trained laser specialist.

How does the body remove the shattered ink?

Once the ink is broken down by the tattoo removal laser, the body will respond by moving fluid to the area to help flush away the ink. This immune-response will be obvious to the patient in the form of some swelling and redness in the area. Over the next days and weeks the ink will be flushed away. This doesn't happen overnight. Removing a tattoo takes a number of sessions.

Why do I need multiple sessions?

All tattoos layers of ink, stacked on top of each other and a thick concentration of pigment particles that cannot be completely broken down in one session. At Disappearing Ink, we'll go over your entire tattoo with the laser, breaking up as much ink as possible in every session. Each session will produce some level of fading, although for very new tattoos the fading may not be as visible because the ink is still so thick and dense. If your tattoo has shading, it will be removed with some degree of ease because shading is just a tattoo without much ink density. It may only take a few sessions to remove this shading.

Does it hurt?

Patients describe the feeling as a rubber band slapping off your skin. Many say it is actually less painful than getting the tattoo in the first place and takes just minutes.

Disappearing Ink Laser Tattoo Removal

Disappearing Ink is proud to offer the most advanced laser tattoo removal treatments in the Pittsburgh area. Our technicians are professionally trained and certified in laser tattoo removal, using our state of the art laser technology to achieve the best possible results.

Free Consultation

Ready to get started? Tell us about your tattoo using our free consultation form and we’ll contact you to discuss your personalized treatment.